New insights in the targets of action of dimethyl fumarate in endothelial cells: effects on energetic metabolism and serine synthesis in vitro and in vivo

Dimethyl fumarate is an ester from the Krebs cycle intermediate fumarate. This drug is approved and currently used for the treatment of psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, and its anti-angiogenic activity was reported some years ago. Due to the current clinical relevance of this compound and the recently manifested importance of endothelial cell metabolism on the angiogenic switch, we wanted to elucidate whether dimethyl fumarate has an effect on energetic metabolism of endothelial cells. Different experimental approximations were performed in endothelial cells, including proteomics, isotope tracing and metabolomics experimental approaches, in this work we studied the possible role of dimethyl fumarate in endothelial cell energetic metabolism. We demonstrate for the first time that dimethyl fumarate promotes glycolysis and diminishes cell respiration in endothelial cells, which could be a consequence of a down-regulation of serine and glycine synthesis through inhibition of PHGDH activity in these cells. Dimethyl fumarate alters the energetic metabolism of endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo through an unknown mechanism, which could be the cause or the consequence of its pharmacological activity. This new discovery on the targets of this compound could open a new field of study regarding the mechanism of action of dimethyl fumarate.

A Proteomic Study of the Bioactivity of Annona muricata Leaf Extracts in HT-1080 Fibrosarcoma Cells

Graviola (Annona muricata) is a tropical plant with many traditional ethnobotanic uses and pharmacologic applications. A metabolomic study of both aqueous and DMSO extracts from Annona muricata leaves recently allowed us to identify dozens of bioactive compounds. In the present study, we use a proteomic approach to detect altered patterns in proteins on both conditioned media and extracts of HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells under treatment conditions, revealing new potential bioactivities of Annona muricata extracts. Our results reveal the complete sets of deregulated proteins after treatment with aqueous and DMSO extracts from Annona muricata leaves. Functional enrichment analysis of proteomic data suggests deregulation of cell cycle and iron metabolism, which are experimentally validated in vitro. Additional experimental data reveal that DMSO extracts protect HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells and HMEC-1 endothelial cells from ferroptosis. Data from our proteomic study are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042354.

Secretory Profile of Adipose-Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Cats with Calicivirus-Positive Severe Chronic Gingivostomatitis

The feline calicivirus (FCV) causes infections in cats all over the world and seems to be related to a broad variety of clinical presentations, such as feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a severe oral pathology in cats. Although its etiopathogeny is largely unknown, FCV infection is likely to be a main predisposing factor for developing this pathology. During recent years, new strategies for treating FCGS have been proposed, based on the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. The main mechanism of action of MSC seems to be paracrine, due to the secretion of many biomolecules with different biological functions (secretome). Currently, several pathologies in humans have been shown to be related to functional alterations of the patient’s MSCs. However, the possible roles that altered MSCs might have in different diseases, including virus-mediated diseases, remain unknown. We have recently demonstrated that the exosomes produced by the adipose-tissue-derived MSCs (fAd-MSCs) from cats suffering from FCV-positive severe and refractory FCGS showed altered protein contents. Based on these findings, the goal of this work was to analyze the proteomic profile of the secretome produced by feline adipose-tissue-derived MSCs (fAd-MSCs) from FCV-positive patients with FCGS, in order to identify differences between them and to increase our knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of this disease. We used high-resolution mass spectrometry and functional enrichment analysis with Gene Ontology to compare the secretomes produced by the fAd-MSCs of healthy and calicivirus-positive FCGS cats. We found that the fAd-MSCs from cats with FCGS had an increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an altered proteomic profile compared to the secretome produced by cells from healthy cats. These findings help us gain insight on the roles of MSCs and their possible relation to FCGS, and may be useful for selecting specific biomarkers and for identifying new therapeutic targets.

Non-targeted metabolomics characterization of Annona muricata leaf extracts with anti-angiogenic activity

The tropical plant Annona muricata has been widely used for traditional ethnobotanic and pharmacologic applications. Extracts from different parts of this plant have been shown to have a wide range of biological activities. In the present study, we carry out a metabolomic study of both aqueous and DMSO extracts from Annona muricata leaves that has allowed us to identify 33 bioactive compounds. Furthermore, we have shown that aqueous extracts are able to inhibit endothelial cell migration and both aqueous and DMSO extracts inhibit the formation of tubule-like structures by endothelial cells cultured on Matrigel. We conclude that extracts of Annona muricata leaves have great potential as anti-angiogenic natural combinations of bioactive compounds.

Periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia treatment through a mini-invasive technique. Our results at mid-term in 131 cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is an accepted and worldwide technique recognized for residual dysplasia treatment and even in unstable hips with limited acetabular coverage. The aim of this study is to analyse the functional, radiological and complication results in patients treated with mini-invasive PAO.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study in which we analysed 131 cases undergoing mini-invasive PAO at our centre. The degree of joint degeneration was evaluated with Tönnis scale, Wiberg angle, acetabular index (AI), anterior coverage angle (AC), joint space, complications and functional outcome with the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) were analysed preoperatively and at the end of follow-up.

RESULTS

The average age was 32.3±9.5 (SD) years, 102 (77.9%) were female and 29 (22.1%) were male. 7.7±2.8 (SD) years follow up. The radiological parameters improved between the pre-surgical phase and the end of follow-up, Wiberg angle+18.5° (18.3° versus 36.8°, 95% CI 17.3 to 19.7), AC angle+13.5° (26.2° versus 39.7°, 95%CI 11.6 to 15.4) and the AI -11.1° (19.5° versus 8.4°; 95%CI -12.1 to -10,1). In addition, the functional results, with the NAHS scale, improved+31.3 points (60.7 pre-surgical versus 92 at the end of follow-up, 95% CI 28.7 to 33.8). The most common complication was transient lateral femoral cutaneous nerve hypoaesthesia in 10 cases (7%).

CONCLUSION

The mini-invasive PAO approach is a reproducible technique, it allows restoration of acetabular coverage and provides an improvement in functional scales as confirmed by our series.

Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Activities of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Laminaria ochroleuca, Porphyra umbilicalis, and Gelidium corneum

Seaweeds of the genera Laminaria, Gelidium, and Porphyra have been used in both food and non-food industries due to their unique properties and characteristic biological activity. This study assesses the antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory properties of the acidic polysaccharides extracted from Laminaria ochroleuca, Porphyra umbilicalis, and Gelidium corneum collected in the Atlantic coast of Tarifa (Cadiz, Spain). The proliferation of murine cell line RAW 264 decreased with increasing concentration of polysaccharides of the three algal species. The highest both antioxidant (25.69 μmol TE g-1 DW) and immunomodulatory activities were observed in the sulfated polysaccharides of L. ochroleuca compared to that of P. umbilicalis and G. corneum. Sulfated polysaccharides of L. ochroleuca presented high potential anticancer activity in cell lines of human colon cancer HTC-116 (IC50 = 0.44 mg mL-1), human malignant melanoma G-361 (IC50 = 5.42 mg mL-1), breast adenocarcinoma human MCF-7 (IC50 = 8.32 mg mL-1), and human leukemia U-937 (IC50 = 3.72 mg mL-1). It is concluded that metabolites of L. ochroleuca can offer significant advantages for the pharmaceutical industry, particularly when macrophage activation is required.

Surgical technique and outcomes for bilateral humeral lengthening for achondroplasia: 26-year experience

BACKGROUND

Elongation in patients with achondroplasia provides better overall skeletal proportionality and significantly improves such individuals' access to their perineal region to self-manage personal hygiene. This paper describes our surgical technique and outcomes for bilateral humeral lengthening in achondroplasia patients over 26 years.

METHODS

Ours was a retrospective study of 55 patients with achondroplasia-related short stature, in whom bilateral humeral lengthening was performed from 1990 to 2016. We describe the surgical technique and analyze mean gain in humeral length, days using an external fixator, mean percentage of lengthening, external fixation index, type of callus, and complications. Pre- and postoperative radiographic measurements were obtained. Patients also were contacted by telephone and asked about their ability to perform peri-anal self-hygiene and about their overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

In total, 110 humeri were lengthened (28 males and 27 females) with medium elongation of 9.5 cm on the right and 9.6 cm on the left, while averaging 220 days in an external fixator. We observed 14 minor complications. There was no significant association between pin position and type of callus, and elongation most often external and in the presence of a straight callus. Before elongation, 77.1% of patients reported difficulties with perineal hygiene and 85.4% could not put their hands in their pockets. Upon completion of lengthening, 100% could perform both tasks and 94.5% were very satisfied.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral humeral elongation yields significant improvements in patient autonomy, with a relatively low complication rate and very high patient satisfaction.

Homocysteine pre-treatment increases redox capacity in both endothelial and tumor cells

OBJECTIVE

We studied the modulatory effects of homocysteine pre-treatment on the disulfide reduction capacity of tumor and endothelial cells.

METHODS

Human MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma and bovine aorta endothelial cells were pre-treated for 1-24 hours with 0.5-5 mM homocysteine or homocysteine thiolactone. After washing to eliminate any rest of homocysteine or homocysteine thiolactone, cell redox capacity was determined by using a method for measuring disulfide reduction.

RESULTS

Homocysteine pre-treatments for 1-4 hours at a concentration of 0.5-5 mM increase the disulfide reduction capacity of both tumor and endothelial cells. This effect cannot be fully mimicked by either cysteine or homocysteine thiolactone pre-treatments of tumor cells.

DISCUSSION

Taken together, our data suggest that homocysteine can behave as an anti-oxidant agent by increasing the anti-oxidant capacity of tumor and endothelial cells.

Insights on the antitumor effects of kahweol on human breast cancer: decreased survival and increased production of reactive oxygen species and cytotoxicity

The present study aims to identify the modulatory effects of kahweol, an antioxidant diterpene present in coffee beans, on a panel of human tumor cell lines. Kahweol inhibits tumor cell proliferation and clonogenicity and induces apoptosis in several kinds of human tumor cells. In the estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB231 human breast cancer, the mentioned effects are accompanied by caspases 3/7 and 9 activation and cytochrome c release. On the other hand, kahweol increases the production of reactive oxygen species and their cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells but not in normal cells. Taken together, our data suggest that kahweol is an antitumor compound with inhibitory effects on tumor cell growth and survival, especially against MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells.

The brominated compound aeroplysinin-1 inhibits proliferation and the expression of key pro- inflammatory molecules in human endothelial and monocyte cells

Aeroplysinin-1 is a brominated antibiotic used by some sponges for defense against bacterial pathogen invasion. Aeroplysinin-1 has a wide spectrum of anti-tumoral action and behaves as a potent anti-angiogenic compound for bovine aortic endothelial cells. In this study, we demonstrate anti-angiogenic effects of aeroplysinin-1 on human endothelial cells. Furthermore, the response of angiogenesis related genes to aeroplysinin-1 treatment was studied in human endothelial cells by using gene arrays. The major changes were observed in thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), both of which were down-regulated. These inhibitory effects of aeroplysinin-1 were confirmed by using independent experimental approaches. To have a deeper insight on the anti-inflammatory effects of aeroplysinin-1 in endothelial cells, cytokine arrays were also used. This experimental approach confirmed effects on MCP-1 and TSP-1 and showed down-regulation of several other cytokines. Western blotting experiments confirmed down-regulation of ELTD1 (EGF, latrophilin and seven transmembrane domain-containing protein 1), interleukin 1α and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1). These results along with our observation of a dramatic inhibitory effect of aeroplysinin-1 on cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression levels in endothelial cells and a human monocyte cell line suggest that aeroplysinin-1 could be a novel anti-inflammatory compound with potential pharmacological interest.

Development of a new antibody for detecting natural killer enhancing factor (NKEF)-like protein in infected salmonids

The main cellular responses of innate immunity are phagocytic activity and the respiratory burst, which produces a high amount of reactive oxygen species. Natural killer enhancing factor (NKEF) belongs to the peroxiredoxin family that has an antioxidant function and enhances cytotoxic cell activity. This molecule may play a key role in macrophage and cytotoxic cell communication during the innate immune response of fish against pathogens. In fish, the NKEF gene has been characterized in some species as showing an up-regulation in infected fish, suggesting a trigger effect upon NK-like cells. To detect and localize this molecule in salmonids at protein level, a monospecific polyclonal antibody was generated. A probable NKEF-like protein epitope region was identified and characterized using bioinformatic tools, and the sequence was chemically synthesized using Fmoc strategy, analysed by RP-HPLC and its molecular weight confirmed by mass spectrometry. The synthetic peptide was immunized and antibodies from ascitic fluid were obtained. The resulting antibody is a versatile tool for detecting NKEF by different immune techniques such as ELISA, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Analysis of NKEF-like protein is a useful method for characterizing immune properties of this molecule in fish during response to pathogens.

Evaluation of the anti-angiogenic effect of aloe-emodin

The present study identified aloe-emodin (AE, a hydroxyanthraquinone from Aloe vera and other plants) as a new anti-angiogenic compound with inhibitory effects in an in vivo angiogenesis assay and evaluates its effects on specific key steps of the angiogenic process. AE inhibits endothelial cell proliferation, but this effect is not cell specific, since AE also inhibits tumor cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion are not remarkably affected by AE. On the other hand, AE has different effects on endothelial and tumor cell gelatinases. Two main targets of the pharmacological action of AE as an anti-angiogenic compound seem to be urokinase secretion and tubule formation of endothelial cells. Finally, AE produces a remarkable photocytotoxic effect on tumor cells. Taken together, our data indicate that AE can behave both as an anti-tumor and an anti-angiogenic compound and suggest that AE could be a candidate drug for photodynamic therapy.

Nature of Bonding in the Cyclization Reactions of (2-Ethynylphenyl)triazene and 2-Ethynylstyrene

The topological analysis of the electron localization function (ELF) has been applied to explore the nature of bonding in thermal cyclizations of (2-ethynylphenyl)triazene and 2-ethynylstyrene. These processes have been proposed to occur through both five- (i.e., coarctate) and six-membered (i.e., pericyclic) transition states. The analysis of electron delocalization, as measured from an irreducible ELF f-localization domain reduction diagram, allows us to characterize these cyclizations of 2-ethynylstyrene in terms of a more pronounced pericyclic or coarctate character than those associated with (2-ethynylphenyl)triazene. The latter evolve through pseudopericyclic and pseudocoarctate pathways. It is found that ELF results are also in good agreement with recent magnetic evidence data obtained from the anisotropy of induced current density (ACID) calculations.

Effects of ursolic acid on different steps of the angiogenic process

Ursolic acid is a triterpenoid with pleiotropic biological effects. In this report, we study the effects of ursolic acid on different key steps of angiogenesis. Our results show that ursolic acid is able to inhibit key steps of angiogenesis in vitro, including endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. At the same time, it seems to stimulate other key steps of angiogenesis, such as extracellular matrix degradation by MMP-2 and urokinase. Although ursolic acid can inhibit in vivo angiogenesis in the CAM assay, the different signs of the effects it causes on different steps of angiogenesis force one to be cautious concerning its anti-angiogenic potential.

Calcium transients in 1B5 myotubes lacking ryanodine receptors are related to inositol trisphosphate receptors

Potassium depolarization of skeletal myotubes evokes slow calcium waves that are unrelated to contraction and involve the cell nucleus (Jaimovich, E., Reyes, R., Liberona, J. L., and Powell, J. A. (2000) Am. J. Physiol. 278, C998-C1010). Studies were done in both the 1B5 (Ry53-/-) murine "dyspedic" myoblast cell line, which does not express any ryanodine receptor isoforms (Moore, R. A., Nguyen, H., Galceran, J., Pessah, I. N., and Allen, P. D. (1998) J. Cell Biol. 140, 843-851), and C(2)C(12) cells, a myoblast cell line that expresses all three isoforms. Although 1B5 cells lack ryanodine binding, they bind tritiated inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate. Both type 1 and type 3 inositol trisphosphate receptors were immuno-located in the nuclei of both cell types and were visualized by Western blot analysis. After stimulation with 47 mm K(+), inositol trisphosphate mass raised transiently in both cell types. Both fast calcium increase and slow propagated calcium signals were seen in C(2)C(12) myotubes. However, 1B5 myotubes (as well as ryanodine-treated C(2)C(12) myotubes) displayed only a long-lasting, non-propagating calcium increase, particularly evident in the nuclei. Calcium signals in 1B5 myotubes were almost completely blocked by inhibitors of the inositol trisphosphate pathway: U73122, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, or xestospongin C. Results support the hypothesis that inositol trisphosphate mediates slow calcium signals in muscle cell ryanodine receptors, having a role in their time course and propagation.

[Rheumatoid arthritis among mapuche aborigines. A 16 years experience in the IX Region of the Chile]

BACKGROUND

Mapuche, Chilean natives, represent approximately 9.8% of Chilean population and in the IX region of the country, they account for 18.4% of population over 15 years old. They preserve some socio-cultural characteristics that make them different to the rest of the population.

AIM

To describe the epidemiological characteristics rheumatoid arthritis among Mapuche natives.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of patients of Mapuche origin with rheumatoid arthritis, seen at Temuco Hospital between 1980 and 1996.

RESULTS

Among 308 cases gathered, only 106 (93 women, aged 55 +/- 10 years old) complied with 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for rheumatoid arthritis. The disease began between 29 and 52 years old in 73% of patients and the mean delay in diagnosis was 4.4 years. At diagnosis, 99% had symmetric poliarthritis, 28.3% had either fatigue, fever or weight loss, and 46.9% were in class III or in class IV of ACR-1991. Fifty three percent of patients developed Sicca syndrome, 36% developed nodules, 23% developed Raynaud phenomenon, 11% developed pulmonary involvement, 7% developed vasculitis, 5% developed neurological manifestations and 19% developed ophthalmologic involvement. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 78% and 73% had erosions. HLA DR4 was (+) in 60% of 30 patients. Thirty percent required 3 or more disease modifying drugs and prednisone over 10 mg/day. There was no correlation between functional capacity and several other features of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Mapuche rheumatoid arthritis patients are detected late and have a poor functional capacity at the time of diagnosis. They also have a higher proportion of extraarticular manifestations, more erosions and require more aggressive treatments.

Mating behavior of bucks and does in goat operations under range conditions

The objectives of this study were to characterize the mating capacity of bucks under range condition and assess the effect of mating frequency on flock fertility. Two adjacent flocks of crossbred goats (Criolloxdairy breeds; n=70 does, 5 bucks and 141 does, 4 bucks) were used in this study. The mating period was 16 and 20 days for each flock, respectively, in January and February, 1996. Mating activity of bucks and does was recorded day and night during the first 11 days of the breeding period. The combined data of both flocks showed a strong relationship between number of goats in estrus and the average services of bucks (r=0.95; P<0.01). With an excess of estrous does, bucks on average copulated 9.1 times daily during the first 11 days of the mating period. Considering both flocks combined, does copulated on average 4+/-1.8 times through the estrus period, and they did so with an average of 2.2+/-1.3 different bucks. Sexual activity of bucks was greatest from sunset to midday. Number of services from different bucks did not affect pregnancy rate (81.4% for goats serviced by 1-2 bucks and 77.8% for goats serviced by 3-4 different bucks; chi(2)=0.25; P7 services, respectively; chi(2)=0.67; P0.05). Mean+/-S.D. daily liveweight loss of bucks during the entire mating period was 547+/-197 g. It was concluded that, with buck percentages higher than 3%, the number of ejaculations of bucks is linearly and positively related to number of females in estrus. Also, these findings indicate that neither number of copulations nor number of services from different bucks affected kidding rates.

"Pertussis toxin induces tachycardia and impairs the increase in blood pressure produced by alpha 2-adrenergic agonists"

Administration of purified pertussis toxin to rats induced persistent tachycardia, (observed in conscious rats but not after pithing); as little as 0.05 microgram/100 g produced a significant effect. Pertussis toxin-treatment did not affected the pressor response produced in the pithed rats by the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist methoxamine but markedly diminished the pressor effect of the alpha 2-adrenergic agonists clonidine and azepexole. A role of adenylate cyclase inhibition in the action of postsynaptic vascular alpha 2-adrenergic receptors is suggested.